East Carolina University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
East Carolina’s 89% acceptance rate and 3.28 average GPA mean a solid B record can put you in range. Use testing selectively: submit an ACT near 25 or SAT near 1220 if it strengthens your application, and otherwise focus on grades and course rigor under the test-optional policy.
⬡ LangSmitha71deec1-3320-431d-bfb1-22fdd5adeebbData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
East Carolina University facts and stats
East Carolina University is an urban public university with an undergraduate enrollment of 21,445. East Carolina has a freshman retention rate of 83%, which is above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 6-year graduation rate of 63%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1.
⬡ LangSmith07e30c9e-9726-4f73-ab30-dd1269a08b29Greenville, NC
How do your scores compare at East Carolina?
Key East Carolina University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
April 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because East Carolina is test-optional, this timeline only matters if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores. Plan to take your first test by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall retakes to improve your score; a December retake should still arrive in time for the April 1 Regular Decision deadline.
⬡ LangSmith9053141c-c4bd-45e8-b2ef-db4d9c703916Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at East Carolina University?
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What you'll actually pay
East Carolina, a public American Conference university, lists in-state tuition at $4,452 and out-of-state tuition at $20,729. About 49% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.
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At East Carolina University, out-of-state tuition is $20,729, while in-state tuition is $4,452, with room and board adding about $11,572. About 49% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is $11,239. Merit awards average $4,017, which can help reduce costs for students who qualify. Graduates leave with an average debt of $25,617.
⬡ LangSmith696f86fe-a6c4-412d-8364-1642f258bca6Student life at East Carolina University
29% of undergrads live on campus
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NCAcceptance rate: 79.6%
SAT: 1150–1320
ACT: 21–28
Appalachian State University
Boone, NCAcceptance rate: 90.1%
SAT: 1140–1270
ACT: 21–27
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NCAcceptance rate: 88.5%
SAT: 1150–1335
ACT: 22–27
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NCAcceptance rate: 87%
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